When individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) or Autism experience a crisis, the stakes are high—and too often, responses escalate the situation instead of calming it. Behaviors that are rooted in communication differences, unmet needs, or trauma can be misunderstood as defiance or aggression. This misunderstanding can lead to interventions that unintentionally increase distress, rather than resolve it, resulting in unnecessary hospitalizations, fractured trust, or even harm. Professionals and caregivers alike need strategies that are both compassionate and effective—strategies that promote safety, inclusion, and dignity for the individuals they serve.

This training offers you the tools and framework to do just that. Through a proactive and person-centered approach, you’ll learn how to anticipate challenges, prevent crises before they spiral, and respond with calm confidence when escalation occurs. Participants will walk away with practical methods to reduce the risk of harm, support collaboration across care systems, and strengthen the long-term stability of the people they support. By equipping yourself with trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, you’ll not only be better prepared to respond in the moment—you’ll also help create environments that foster resilience, belonging, and respect.

Dr. Stephanie Smigiel, PhD, LPC, brings more than a decade of experience in autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and trauma. She served as a clinical and program director with PA Allegheny START, where she oversaw a systemic model of crisis prevention and response that merged the IDD/A and mental health systems, providing education and 24/7 crisis support for families and providers. She is also the founder of Spectrum Driving, an innovative program inspired by her dissertation on autism and driving, where she helps individuals with autism achieve independence through tailored instruction. In both clinical and community settings, Dr. Smigiel has championed approaches that honor neurodiversity and individual strengths, making her uniquely qualified to guide professionals in this vital area of practice.

Her teaching approach emphasizes translating systemic best practices into actionable tools that can be applied immediately in real-world settings. She draws on both her clinical expertise and her personal experiences of overcoming challenges with dyslexia to create a teaching style that is accessible, compassionate, and empowering. Participants can expect a training that balances research-based insights with relatable case examples, helping them connect theory to practice. Dr. Smigiel underscores the importance of trauma-informed decision-making and collaborative planning, ensuring that the strategies taught are not only effective but also sustainable across families, providers, and community systems.

In this course, participants will explore the critical components of crisis response for individuals with ID and Autism. Topics include identifying early warning signs, triggers, and escalation patterns that may indicate a developing crisis; applying trauma-sensitive de-escalation techniques that reduce stress and promote safety; and collaborating with families, case managers, first responders, and other community partners to develop individualized crisis response and safety plans. The course also highlights the importance of conducting post-crisis reviews that evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, strengthen long-term supports, and reduce the likelihood of recurring crises. By addressing gaps in current systems of care and offering inclusive, person-centered solutions, the course empowers professionals to create more supportive and stable environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and respond: Identify early warning signs and apply de-escalation strategies tailored to ID and Autism.
• Plan collaboratively: Develop individualized crisis response and safety plans with families, teams, and community partners.
• Sustain stability: Conduct post-crisis reviews that build resilience and prevent future crises.

Why this course?

• Specialized expertise: Learn from a seasoned clinician who has led systemic crisis response programs specifically for IDD/A populations.
• Practical strategies: Gain tools you can apply right away to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce stress in crisis situations.
• Trusted provider: Offered by Telehealth Certification Institute, a leader in high-quality continuing education for behavioral health professionals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify early warning signs, triggers, and patterns that may lead to crisis in individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism, and apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies that prioritize safety and dignity.
• Develop individualized crisis response and safety plans in collaboration with families, teams, and community partners, ensuring a proactive and person-centered approach to crisis prevention.
• Utilize effective post-crisis reviews to evaluate interventions, strengthen long-term supports, and reduce the likelihood of recurring crises.

This course equips you with more than techniques—it helps you foster environments where individuals with ID and Autism feel safe, respected, and supported. By engaging in this training, you’ll be better prepared to prevent harm, reduce trauma, and create pathways to stability for the people you serve.